Ted Collins, Landmark Society to revamp St. Joseph's Park

Ted Collins Tree & Landscape said Tuesday it would be working with the Landmark Society of Western New York Inc. on the re-landscaping and re-opening of St. Joseph’s Park—a city park that has been closed for more than 10 years.

The Victor firm is donating its services, along with plant and landscape materials, to spruce up the park.

The historic St. Joseph’s Church, on North Clinton Avenue and Pleasant Street, was built in 1843. It was gutted by fire in the 1970s. Its walls and tower were preserved and its grounds turned into a grassy park, the rochesterdowntown.com website explains.

“Like so many old church ruins scattered around much of Europe, they not only reflect the past but are also aesthetically pleasing monuments that make a city rich and special,” said Greg Frank, co-owner of Ted Collins, in a statement. “Our firm has been looking for a special project that would allow us to do what we do best — landscape and create special garden spaces for people to enjoy.

“St. Joseph’s seemed like an ideal project that not only allows us to be part of the re-development of downtown Rochester, but also to give back to our community.”

In addition to the work Ted Collins will do, the Landmark Society will handle some improvements to the park’s edifice and infrastructure.